Number of people working from home ‘up by a fifth in 10 years’

The number of people working from home has increased by a fifth over the past decade, a new study has shown.

Research by the TUC revealed that over 1.5 million workers are based in their homes, with the biggest growth among women - up by 157,000 since 10 years ago.

Older employees are more likely to work from a room where they live rather than an office, while the South West has the highest proportion of home workers, followed by the East of England and the South East.

IT, agriculture and construction are among the industries employing most home workers, the TUC said.

The report, published to mark National Work from Home Day, said there were many benefits from home working, including making it easier to balance work with caring responsibilities.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Modern home-working is good for the economy, as it helps businesses hold on to talented staff and boosts productivity.

“And it allows those with caring responsibilities or a disability greater access to the jobs market.

“While home-working may not work in all professions, I would urge employers to look at the value it can bring to their business and their workforce.”

Men account for most home workers at 912,000 compared with 609,000 women, the TUC said.